Toronto Maple Leafs forwards Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have been virtually non-existent during the Four Nations Face-Off, but will that change in the Finals?
The Team Canada vs. Team USA match-up on Saturday night was one of the greatest hockey experiences of my life. We knew this tournament was going to mean something, but I never expected that type of energy with three fights in nine seconds to start the game.
Canada may have lost the game, but fortunately enough, they will have the opportunity to avenge that defeat on Thursday night in Boston. To bring it back to the Leafs, I find it hilarious that Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner will have to play their biggest game of their life, once again in Boston at TD Garden.
Both Marner and Matthews have lost three Game 7's in Boston and in those losses, they both have only registered one assist. In the biggest moment, the Leafs best players haven't even registered a goal, with the same thing kind of happening in the Four Nations Face-Off thus far.
I know that Marner scored the overtime winner and had great analytics in Canada's win against Sweden, but you can't seriously tell me that he's been a difference maker. He looks like a fourth-line player on this roster, while Matthews has yet to score, which is wild for a two-time 60 goal scorer, in this moment.
Will Matthews and Marner Avenge the Leafs' Boston Nightmares In 4 Nations Final?
Marner only has that one goal in three games, while Matthews only has one assist. Despite being the Leafs best players and some of the best in the NHL, they haven't been able to deliver in this tournament. Instead, it's been the players who you would expect, like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Brady Tkachuk and Matthew Tkachuk.
You may think it's unfair to criticize this players in such a small tournament, but I can't think of a better comparison for the playoffs than this tournament. For example, McDavid said that they need to treat thier game against Team Finland "like a Game 7" and delivered on that statement, scoring the first period of the game, and was electric all afternoon. Since he knew this was going to be like a "Game 7", Marner played exactly how he always does in those moments, registering zero points.
I know this is going to change in the offseason, but as of right now, Matthews makes more money than McDavid, and Marner only makes $1.5M AAV less. After three games, how can anyone truly think that Marner and Matthews are worth anything close to McDavid?
We all know that Matthews isn't going anywhere, but if you're watching this tournament as the Leafs, how do you give Marner a huge extension and not get worried about the biggest moments? On the biggest stage, he hasn't delivered and unfortunately the same thing can be said about Matthews so far.
As we get ready for another amazing Team Canada versus Team USA match-up on Thursday night, will Matthews and Marner change the narrative or will the same results enfold? We'll have to wait and see, but if it's anyone, I hope Marner can change history and guide Canada to victory.